Monday, May 28, 2018

Happy Memorial Day! Special Prayers for Soldiers and Veterans to SHARE with 5 Points about its History

1) Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

2)Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. 3)Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.4)In 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day.5) On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month.Edited from History.com

SPECIAL PRAYERS FROM BISHOPS FOR VETS AND SOLDIERS

For Troops

All-powerful and ever-living God,
when Abraham left his native land
and departed from his people
you kept him safe through all his journeys.
Protect these soldiers.
Be their constant companion and their strength in battle,
their refuge in every adversity.
Guide them, O Lord, that they may return home in safety.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer of a Spouse for a SoldierGod of power and might,at every moment and in every placeyou are near to those who call upon your name in faith.In marriage you have blessed us with a share in your divine love.Look upon my husband/wife and keep him/her in your safekeeping,no matter where the road may lead.And when the battle is ended,bring him/her safely home to those who love him.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer of a Son or Daughter for a ParentLoving Godyou watch over each and every one of your childrenHear my prayer for my father/motherBe his/her constant companion.Protect him/her no matter where he/she goes,and bring him/her safely and quickly home to those who love him/her.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer of a Parent for a SoldierFather all-powerful and ever-loving God,from before we were born,your love has nurtured and sustained us.Hear my prayer for N., my son/daughter.Keep him/her safe in time of battleand faithful to you, day in and day out.Bring him/her safely home to those who love him/her.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer for Those who Await a Soldier's ReturnGod of all goodness,Look with love on those who waitfor the safe return of their loved oneswho serve in the armed forces of their country.In faith and hope, we turn to you for comfort.Grant that we may trust in your mercyand send an angel to sustain us as we await their safe return.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

For Government LeadersGod of power and might, wisdom and justice,through you authority is rightly administered,laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed.Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitudethe President and other government leaders of these United States.May they always seekthe ways of righteousness, justice and mercy.Grant that they may be enabled by your powerful protectionto lead our country with honesty and integrity.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

For the Safety of SoldiersAlmighty and eternal God,those who take refuge in you will be gladand forever will shout for joy.Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties.Protect them with the shield of your strengthand keep them safe from all evil and harm.May the power of your love enable them to return homein safety, that with all who love them,they may ever praise you for your loving care.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

For our EnemiesJesus, Prince of Peace,you have asked us to love our enemiesand pray for those who persecute us.We pray for our enemies and those who oppose us.With the help of the Holy Spirit,may all people learn to work togetherfor that justice which brings true and lasting peace.To you be glory and honor for ever and ever.

For Courage in the time of BattleO Prince of peace, we humbly ask your protectionfor all our men and women in military service.Give them unflinching courage to defendwith honor, dignity and devotion,the rights of all who are imperiledby injustice and evil.Be their rock, their shield, and their strongholdand let them draw their strength from you.For you are God, for ever and ever.

In a Time of WaitingAll powerful and ever-living God,Guard our churches, our homes, our schools,our hospitals, our factories, and all the places where we gather.Deliver us from harm and peril.Protect our land and its peoples from enemies within and without.Grant an early peace with victory founded upon justice.Instill in the hearts and minds of men and women everywherea firm purpose to live forever in peace and good will toward all.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

For Deceased VeteransO God,by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest,look kindly on your departed veterans who gave theirlives in the service of their country.Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Sonthey may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdomand rejoice in you with your saints forever.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

A Soldier's Prayers

For Families and friends Left At HomeO God, Protector of all people and nations,protect my family and friends at homefrom the violence and evil of others.Keep them safe from the weapons of hate and destructionand guard them against the deeds of evildoers.Grant them your protection and carein tranquility and peace.Grant this through Christ our Lord.

On the Eve of BattleGod of power and mercy,maker and love of peace,to know you is to live,and to serve you is to reign.Through the intercession of St. Michael, the archangel,be our protection in battle against all evil.Help me [us] to overcome war and violenceand to establish your law of love and justice.Grant this through Christ our Lord.

For Hope in the Midst of DestructionGod of mercy,you know the secrets of all human hearts,for you know who is just and you forgive the repentant sinner.Hear my prayer in the midst of destruction;give me patience and hope,so that under your protection and with you as my guide,I may one day be reunited with my family and friendsin peace, tranquility, and love.Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer For Officers In CommandGod and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ,Hear my prayer for these soldiers under my command.Grant that I may bring the spirit of Christto all my efforts and ordersas I exercise my authority over those entrusted to my care.Inform my judgment with your Holy Spiritso that I may make decisionsin conformity with your law and for the common good.Grant this through Christ our Lord.

For Fellow CombatantsLord God,Remember Christ your Son who is peace itselfand who has washed away our hatred with His blood.Because you love all men and women,look with mercy on all who are engaged in battle.Banish the violence and evil within all combatantsso that one day, we may all deserve to becalled your sons and your daughters.Grant this through Christ our Lord.

For the innocent victims of warLord God,your own Son was delivered into the hands of the wicked,yet he prayed for his persecutorsand overcame hatred with the blood of the Cross.Relive the sufferings of the innocent victims of war;grant them peace of mind, healing of body,and a renewed faith in your protection and care.Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer for refugees and victims of warLord God,no one is a stranger to youand no one is ever far from your loving care.In your kindness, watch over refugees and victims of war,those separated from their loved ones,young people who are lost,and those who have left home or who have run away from home.Bring them back safely to the place where they long to beand help us always to show your kindnessto strangers and to all in needGrant this through Christ our Lord.